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Springbok coach Peter de Villiers has made 10 changes to his team for the third and final Test against the British and Irish Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Jan de Koning reports for rugby365.com:

The changes mean a Test debut for Bulls fullback Zane Kirchner, as well as a first Test start for flyhalf Morné Steyn and hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle.

The backline changes – six in all – have Zane Kirchner at fullback for Francois Steyn, Odwa Ndungane on the right wing for JP Pietersen, a new centre combination of Jaque Fourie and Wynand Olivier (for Adi Jacobs and Jean de Villiers), Jongi Nokwe on the left wing for Bryan Habana, and Morné Steyn for Ruan Pienaar at flyhalf.

Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez is the only back to have been retained.

The loose forward combination have also been revamped – Ryan Kankowski at No.8 for Pierre Spies (who is feeling the after-effects of a knock), Juan Smith at blindside flank and Heinrich Brüssow at openside for the suspended Schalk Burger.

Victor Matfield will be partnered in the second row by Johann Muller, in place of suspended Bakkies Botha – who lost his appeal on Thursday against the two-match ban.

The front row shows just one change – Chiliboy Ralepelle for Bismarck du Plessis at hooker.

De Villiers, in explaining the rash of changes, said he “respects” the Lions, but wanted to give every player in his 28-man squad a run against the tourists.

“When we stand there on Saturday and collect the trophy [for winning the series], I want every player to feel that he has made a contribution,” the Bok coach said.

He denied that the changes had weakened the team.

“If you take a good look at the team – player by player – tell me where did we weaken the side,” the Bok coach hit back.

He said he had changed his mind “four or five times this week”, as he pondered the selection for the final Test.

I don’t have a problem with the changes, be interesting to see the backs….as to winning who gives a toss – series is ours – we need to rest our frontline for our charge to come last in the 3N again this year.

Great stuff again Mr De Villiers and assistants. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity – and with the series won – it’s only fair to let the other guys add The Lions to their CV’s.

I don’t think this is a weak team at all-just different. I trust that they’ve been working together for the whole week. If the Lions come in the “fighting mode” instead of playing rugby – they might catch air for the whole afternoon.

-Chilli will have to up his game during scrums and lineouts.

-If that backline gels – we might see fireworks!

Go Bokke!

Comment 22, posted at 02.07.09 14:00:13 by blackshark

JJ Harmse on news24:
‘Peter de Villiers has picked a new backline with a powerful midfield combination of Wynand Olivier and Jaque Fourie.

It’s well known to readers of this column that I prefer Olivier ahead of Jean de Villiers and Fourie ahead of Adi Jacobs.

It is a pity that Brian O’Driscoll has gone home and Jamie Roberts might not play this weekend, as I would have loved to have seen how the Lions pair shaped up against my preferred combination.’

I will not read JJ Harmse’s articles.
I will not read JJ Harmse’s articles.
I will not read JJ Harmse’s articles.
I will not read JJ Harmse’s articles.

But actually – I agree with him…I would’ve loved to see them take on that Irish fella and his mate…too bad the Lions are softies.

Comment 27, posted at 02.07.09 14:17:32 by blackshark

Does this signify the end of Januarie’s career. He is the only one in the original squad that has been left out in the cold. He has nobody but himself to blame though, he has loads of talent, and that bit of mongrel needed, but he ate himself out of a Bok selection. A fit Januarie would be great to have in the squad, but it seems discipline is not one of his strong points.

just as bruce wayne was sent to another universe leaving the cowl for dick grayson to take, so i take over try time’s mantle and carry on the fight of the ridiculous.

and a squad anouncement like this would drag any super villian out of retirement. wow, what a squad. i called for this. the second string bok side must thrash the lions and send them packing. we also give our backup much needed game time ahead of the tri nations so sa can take a full house. that would make the most amazing history. 2009-sa s14 champs, irb 7′s champs, lions tour whitewash, tri nations victory. wow.

Comment 64, posted at 02.07.09 15:45:10 by try time (superrugby's kryptonite is SANZAR)

BIL’s lost roberts and BOD….I see meisiekind and fourie breaking the line and Nokwe scoring another hattrick at the Coke tin

@try time (superrugby’s kryptonite is SANZAR) (Comment 64) : I have a great feeling about this last test. Robert and BOD out, fresh Boks wanting to prove a point…the BIL’s already one foot on the plane……and a day of mourning in britain when their beloved Lions lose to the Boks ‘second team’

Comment 68, posted at 02.07.09 15:52:32 by Pokkel

@wpw (Comment 58)
You are talking nonsense again, he doesnt like black mechanics, he smaaks the wit ous, even the crap ones.

@wpw (Comment 70) : we beat the Aussies 9-3 in odi’s this year….I’ll take that over T20 world champs any day

Comment 74, posted at 02.07.09 15:58:54 by Pokkel

@klempie (Comment 67) : @Pokkel (Comment 68) : i agree, these guys are hungry and want to be next in line for a bok spot. it will also be great that the lions can’t blame a loss on saturday to a weakened team, as the boks also have a “weakened” team. so a victory will be the sweetest nail in their suitcases. let them sulk for 12 years.

Comment 75, posted at 02.07.09 15:59:43 by try time (superrugby's kryptonite is SANZAR)